Russia has sent around 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to protect President Teodoro Obiang. This move is part of a larger strategy by Moscow to enhance its foothold in Africa amid declining Western influence. The troops, which may include Belarusian soldiers, are training elite guards in the capital and other major cities, further supporting Obiang’s regime and its security initiatives.
Russia has deployed approximately 200 troops to Equatorial Guinea to ensure the security of President Teodoro Obiang. According to various security sources cited by multiple African media outlets, these Russian personnel are primarily engaged in training elite guards in the major cities, Malabo and Bata. Additionally, it has been suggested that troops from Belarus may be included in this deployment. This move aligns with a larger pattern of increasing Russian involvement in Central and West Africa, a region where they have previously sent thousands of mercenaries from the Wagner Group, now known as Africa Corps, to support military regimes and combat jihadist threats. The strategic interest of Russia in this deployment is further amplified by the political context of Equatorial Guinea, where President Obiang, aged 82, has maintained his grip on power since a coup in 1979, and is preparing his son Teodorin to inherit the presidency. During a recent visit to Moscow, President Obiang expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for the military support timed to enhance the country’s defenses. Reports of Russian military presence surfaced initially in August, indicating a burgeoning partnership aimed at reinforcing Obiang’s regime and asserting Moscow’s influence in Africa, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
The article discusses the recent deployment of Russian troops to Equatorial Guinea, highlighting the geopolitical implications of this deployment amid shifting global alliances. Under President Obiang’s long tenure, there has been a notable interest in foreign military support, particularly from Russia, which seeks to expand its influence in Africa while diminishing Western dominance. The involvement of Russia in African internal security issues represents a strategic maneuver to enhance its geopolitical standing and economic interests in the continent’s resource-rich regions.
In conclusion, the deployment of Russian troops to Equatorial Guinea not only illustrates Russia’s strategic shift towards Africa but also underlines President Obiang’s reliance on foreign military support to sustain his rule. This partnership signifies a broader trend of declining Western influence in the region and highlights the increasing role of Russia in strengthening authoritarian regimes across Central and West Africa, ultimately challenging established geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.agenzianova.com
